Actor Paul Walker dies in car crash; was dedicated to charity and family

Photos and messages are seen at a roadside memorial at the site of the auto crash that took the life of actor Paul Walker and another man, in the small community of Valencia, Calif., Monday, Dec. 2, 2013.

Nick Ut, Associated Press

Summary

Paul Walker died Saturday in a car accident at age 40. Best known for his role in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise, the actor was also renowned for his charity work, interest in marine biology and involvement in his daughter's life.

Following the tragic news of actor Paul Walker's death on Saturday, stories of his charm, generosity and kindness have come to light - showing that he was far more than a movie star.

Walker brought his charisma to five films about fast cars, how to build a family out of close friends, and living your conscience. Survived by many co-stars, by his parents and by a 15-year-old-daughter, friends, fans and family are all mourning Walker's death.

Walker's daughter Meadow lived with her mother in Hawaii for 13 years while Walker focused on his career and the perks of being a celebrity. At the time of his death, he had been rekindling his relationship with his daughter.

Walker told USA Today that his character, Brian O'Connor, from the Fast and Furious movies, was as much of a family guy as he was.

"The guy's a sucker for family," he told USA Today. "Brian's a heart guy, he just is. What's Dom really representative of to him? He's the father and the older brother he never had. It's not a buddy. Brian doesn't even realize it. He gave up on having that kind of family or life before he even knew it was possible, and I don't think he ever thought it could be as great as what he has."

Raised in the LDS church, Walker said he maintained Christian values through his life.

The actor also had a passion for marine biology, which he studied in college before becoming an actor. Walker took his love of the sea to the next level by hosting "Expedition Great White" for National Geographic in 2010. He spent 11 days catching and tagging great white sharks.

He also founded the nonprofit Reach Out Worldwide, which benefitted victims of the Chile earthquake, Haiti's earthquake and the typhoon in the Philippines.

"He lived with integrity, humanity and humility and seemed most happy when talking about his daughter, Meadow," Brewster said. "I don’t know anyone who lived each moment more fully and loved life more than Paul; making his loss all the more heartbreaking."

"Fast and Furious" Co-star Tyrese Gibson has been especially vocal about his heartache over the loss of his friend. He posted an "open letter to God" on his Instagram account:

"My open letter to God.... Father God I love you, I trust you and honor your presence in and around my life.... I know I am still here for a purpose so use me up.... I will speak what you ask I will go where you tell me to.... I will do what you tell me to do.... Order my footsteps and I will walk....

"My heart is hurting badly but in this darkness you used me as a light with my bothers family tonight.... Use me up father God I owe you...."

Popular Comments

The earlier article on Walker drew an unfortunate amount of comments criticizing
him for leaving the lds church -- at least one person quoted teachings that
seemed to say that Hollywood people and others choose fame and fortune over God.
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12:52 a.m. Dec. 4, 2013

Top comment

georgiaonmymind1

Lawrenceville, GA

I don't think any of us are in a position to judge this man. He has
obviously done many wonderful things with his time and money. If he made
mistakes or different choices than what WE may think are right well that is not
our place to judge
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11:48 a.m. Dec. 4, 2013

Top comment

happy2bhere

clearfield, UT

Paul Walker may have been LDS and quit being active, or whatever, but at least I
never saw him show up on some tabloid story where he was engaging in the type of
debauchery so common in much of Hollywood today. He seemed like a really good
guy,
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